Info On Betta Sorority Tanks.

So I'm looking to set up my 40b tank into a betta sorority tank. Never had a betta and was hoping to get any info on sorority tanks and any info on betta fish themselves that might not be easily found.

My initial idea is to have a few female betta fish, not sure on numbers yet. I'm also looking at having kuhlI loachs and shrimp. Any suggestions on numbers here will be nice as well.

The tank has a fluval aquaclear 70, a heater, 3 caves, and an air pump.

 

I’m new and before I started reading I bought my fish. Maybe I just got lucky but my female elephant ear betta is doing great in my 20 gallon with 5 adult guppies and their 11 fry

 

I’m new and before I started reading I bought my fish. Maybe I just got lucky but my female elephant ear betta is doing great in my 20 gallon with 5 adult guppies and their 11 fry

Please excuse the FAT filters. I’m getting a 2nd filter ready for another tank and I changed to BDBS that clouded up the water so I wrapped them with pollyfill for a couple days

 

I just love Elephant ear betta, that's one of the females I'm looking to pick up. I also have BDBS, love the stuff in aquariums! Brings the colors of the fish out more. What plants you have in there?

 

I’m waiting on my new plants in the meantime I reused my first plants. To the right Java fern and a grass that I think shouldn’t be submerged. Hanging on the left filter is hornwart? It needed more light this new light is bringing it back. There’s also a few pieces of a plant similar to guppy grass. On the ground under it is microsword I had in a pot. It’s taking off in the BDBS
Next week I should get in the mail:
Java moss
Christmas moss
Fire moss
Dwarf baby tears
I can’t wait!

The other tank I’m starting the filter material for will go in my room at work. I’m thinking another female elephant ear but not positive and maybe shrimp?

 

Ponikvar
Hi! Welcome to the betta obsession group!
I would first suggest getting a single betta in a smaller tank to learn their behaviors before jumping into a sorority. Too many people see the aggression between newly introduced females and freak out and make things worse.
The minimum number of females for a sorority is five but you can of course go up. Try to keep them in odd numbered groups like 5, 7, 9, until you get to the 2-digit mark. Lots of plants and hidey places are a MUST. Not throwing waterwings under the bus just using as an example since they already shared a photo because I love their set up and all but if you were to set up a sorority in that same tank it wouldn't work because of the few hidey places. That's a perfect home for a single betta and some tank mates but not as a sorority for an example.
I know this person on instagram and the three tanks on the racks are all betta sororities to give you an idea of how much hiding space they need


Not saying you need live plants but this is an example.

The shrimp will PROBABLY get eaten with the bettas. Some bettas aren't shrimp eaters, some are, with a sorority there is enough bettas there is a good chance someone will eat them. It is 100% possible to do a sorority with shrimp, I would just save some in a spare tank just in case so you don't have them all end up getting eaten.
Ive had kuhlI loaches with bettas before, they need sand, that's really it.

Any more questions I'm here to help!

 

KakeHugs no argument from me that’s why I can’t wait for my other plants to get here. My other plants died WAY back without enough light and established substrate. If my guppy fry were born now they wouldn’t have survived without cover. My male Bettas tank is so fun to watch him play in. These guys are addictive

 

KakeHugs no argument from me that’s why I can’t wait for my other plants to get here. My other plants died WAY back without enough light and established substrate. If my guppy fry were born now they wouldn’t have survived without cover. My male Bettas tank is so fun to watch him play in. These guys are addictive

Lol I feel you I kill almost everything I get
Idk why but when I saw the photo of your tank I imagined a minI bridge in the middle and plants on both sides and just leaving the middle open if you want ideas /shifty eyes
I haven't had livebearer fry in a long time, it was so cool seeing them born, now I just try to raise betta fry

 

Ponikvar
Hi! Welcome to the betta obsession group!
I would first suggest getting a single betta in a smaller tank to learn their behaviors before jumping into a sorority. Too many people see the aggression between newly introduced females and freak out and make things worse.
The minimum number of females for a sorority is five but you can of course go up. Try to keep them in odd numbered groups like 5, 7, 9, until you get to the 2-digit mark. Lots of plants and hidey places are a MUST. Not throwing waterwings under the bus just using as an example since they already shared a photo because I love their set up and all but if you were to set up a sorority in that same tank it wouldn't work because of the few hidey places. That's a perfect home for a single betta and some tank mates but not as a sorority for an example.
I know this person on instagram and the three tanks on the racks are all betta sororities to give you an idea of how much hiding space they need
View attachment 402955
Not saying you need live plants but this is an example.

The shrimp will PROBABLY get eaten with the bettas. Some bettas aren't shrimp eaters, some are, with a sorority there is enough bettas there is a good chance someone will eat them. It is 100% possible to do a sorority with shrimp, I would just save some in a spare tank just in case so you don't have them all end up getting eaten.
Ive had kuhlI loaches with bettas before, they need sand, that's really it.

Any more questions I'm here to help!

What’s the minimum size tank you would suggest and how many females would you put in it? Heavily planted of coarse

 

Lol I feel you I kill almost everything I get
Idk why but when I saw the photo of your tank I imagined a minI bridge in the middle and plants on both sides and just leaving the middle open if you want ideas /shifty eyes
I haven't had livebearer fry in a long time, it was so cool seeing them born, now I just try to raise betta fry

I love the bridge idea. I molded a tree for the left side, where the extra filter is, that I plan to put weeping moss on when it arrives. maybe I’ll have to try molding a bridge.

 

What’s the minimum size tank you would suggest and how many females would you put in it? Heavily planted of coarse

I think 5 females would suit a 10 gallon just fine if were talking heavily planted

I love the bridge idea. I molded a tree for the left side, where the extra filter is, that I plan to put weeping moss on when it arrives. maybe I’ll have to try molding a bridge.

OOOoo that sounds sick! I kinda of have a tree moss situation going on and it's very lovely
What did you use to mold with? I try to buy fairy garden stuff but sometimes you just can't find what you're looking for!! I have a cheap little fairy garden type bridge off of ebay for like $2 max as well
Show me the tank when you get it all done (bridge or not)! I'd love to see it!

 

So a maximum amount of hides, noted! Now, my tank has lava rock in it, I should probably remove that since it's a rough stone and I feel that it could hurt a betta's fins.

Would dragon stone be alright in replacing the lava rock?

And since I have a 40 gallon, what number would you say is a max I can have in the tank should I provide sufficient hides? Keeping in mind I'm looking to keep KuhlI loaches as well.

 

Let me refraise part of that after I reread posts, is there a reason fr the odd numbers and why no more than 9?

 

Anything with rough or jagged edges should be removed or you could cover with something like Java Moss, but you would really need to cover it up. Folks say to use s pantyhose as a test. If you run a pantyhose over the rock and it snags then it’s not good for the betta.

 

Gotcha! Now another thing I had thought of, water flow.

How much is to much for a betta?

 

Gotcha! Now another thing I had thought of, water flow.

How much is to much for a betta?

They don’t like a lot of flow so it’s a balance of getting water movement in your tank vs what’s ideal for the bettas. I find that if they have places in the tank where they can get away from the flow they’ll be fine if you have your filter turned up a bit, but I wouldn’t plan on having your filter running wide open. Sponge filters are a good option for bettas.

Its just something you’ll have to experiment with. They’ll adapt a bit and become better swimmers if they have some flow to deal with but there has to be areas that they can get away and chill and not constantly fight the current.

 

They don’t like a lot of flow so it’s a balance of getting water movement in your tank vs what’s ideal for the bettas. I find that if they have places in the tank where they can get away from the flow they’ll be fine if you have your filter turned up a bit, but I wouldn’t plan on having your filter running wide open. Sponge filters are a good option for bettas.

Its just something you’ll have to experiment with. They’ll adapt a bit and become better swimmers if they have some flow to deal with but there has to be areas that they can get away and chill and not constantly fight the current.

In both my tanks my bettas like to “surf” they will hang out away from the flow but when they are playful they will go swim hard against the current then stop fast and let the flow carry them back to where they started. It’s so fun to watch

 

Well I think I'm sold, going to fix the tank up a bit more and get some betta fish. When I do go to get my fish, should I only d a few at a time?

Like start with three, get two more a little later and so on?

 

Well I think I'm sold, going to fix the tank up a bit more and get some betta fish. When I do go to get my fish, should I only d a few at a time?

Like start with three, get two more a little later and so on?

I thought someone said a minimum of 5. I thought you had to add them all at once so no one could claim territory? You should confirm that before you go get any. Do you have your tank already cycled?I would also just throw in that make sure you have a backup plan in case it goes bad in there. There could be fights and if you have a really dominant betta you may have to remove her so it's a good idea to have a plan on where you would put her if you need to remove the fish.

 

That is why I'm asking, it was said a minimum of five. I don't know if you need to add them all at once or not, wasn't touched on yet.

The tank is cycled, it's been up for a while. Just repurposing it. As for a back up, I have both a place who would take them for sure and floating tanks to separate them if I can't rehome them right away due to work.

 

That is why I'm asking, it was said a minimum of five. I don't know if you need to add them all at once or not, wasn't touched on yet.

The tank is cycled, it's been up for a while. Just repurposing it. As for a back up, I have both a place who would take them for sure and floating tanks to separate them if I can't rehome them right away due to work.

I'm not a betta sorority expert so I'll let someone else answer definitively...Good luck!

 

That is why I'm asking, it was said a minimum of five. I don't know if you need to add them all at once or not, wasn't touched on yet.

The tank is cycled, it's been up for a while. Just repurposing it. As for a back up, I have both a place who would take them for sure and floating tanks to separate them if I can't rehome them right away due to work.

If your cycled I’d get your aquascaping the way you want it and go get your girls please share pictures I can’t wait to see it

 

Also you might consider having some tank dividers ready just in case. I’ve seen some beautiful divided tanks. I’m considering dividing my 20 gallon male betta tank so I can get another male

 

So a maximum amount of hides, noted! Now, my tank has lava rock in it, I should probably remove that since it's a rough stone and I feel that it could hurt a betta's fins.

Would dragon stone be alright in replacing the lava rock?

And since I have a 40 gallon, what number would you say is a max I can have in the tank should I provide sufficient hides? Keeping in mind I'm looking to keep KuhlI loaches as well.

Let me refraise part of that after I reread posts, is there a reason fr the odd numbers and why no more than 9?

Never said no more than 9, I said keep in odd numbers until you get into second digits.

I have lava rock, dragon stone, and lace rock in with my bettas and non has caused an issue. My friend een uses lava stone.
Start with as many females as possible, so yes 5 at once
I can't tell you max since it depends on your filter and the density of your plants and aggression ext. I would start with 5 and add on from there.

 

Gotcha, with that I should be able to look into getting five by tomorrow at the earliest.

 

Also you might consider having some tank dividers ready just in case. I’ve seen some beautiful divided tanks. I’m considering dividing my 20 gallon male betta tank so I can get another male

I have a 20 gallon I divide for males! I'm tearing it down to have less divide areas (rn it has 8 because I was addicted) and I will be taking it down to five slots since I'm more picky with my bettas than I was when I set it up
Instagram post by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀@ƙɑƙҿɦʊցʂ • Jan 6, 2016 at 6:14am
Instagram post by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀@ƙɑƙҿɦʊցʂ • Mar 5, 2016 at 8:16pm UTC
You can see how old that date is lol
It used to have more plants but that's the best photo I have. It's been sitting around for around a year and a half maybe

 

Gotcha, with that I should be able to look into getting five by tomorrow at the earliest.

Take your time and buy females you like
You don't need to buy them all at once just add them at once
Did you happen to add many hidey places and plants (fake or live) since yesterday? The worse part of a sorority is when it's being started and that is the main reason why it needs so much cover.

 

I have a few caves spread throughout the tank, couple large rocks, and plants throughout the tank. Half are new so they're not huge but with the tank being a 40 gallon I would assume there is enough to host five without any issues. I do need to rehome a few fish though before I add the bettas, unless they'll be fine. It's an odd mix though.

2 tiger barbs, they were raised in a community tank with two other siblings that sadly passed away. They don't bother any fish surprisingly.

Two honey gouramis.

And four guppies.

They'll be moved to another tank tomorrow unless ya guys think things could possibly work out with the bettas. I know Gouramis and bettas don't generally play well together but being a honey I doubt the issues would come from them.

Should I just try it and net them out if it goes sour or be 100% sure and take them out?

 

I have a few caves spread throughout the tank, couple large rocks, and plants throughout the tank. Half are new so they're not huge but with the tank being a 40 gallon I would assume there is enough to host five without any issues. I do need to rehome a few fish though before I add the bettas, unless they'll be fine. It's an odd mix though.

2 tiger barbs, they were raised in a community tank with two other siblings that sadly passed away. They don't bother any fish surprisingly.

Two honey gouramis.

And four guppies.

They'll be moved to another tank tomorrow unless ya guys think things could possibly work out with the bettas. I know Gouramis and bettas don't generally play well together but being a honey I doubt the issues would come from them.

Should I just try it and net them out if it goes sour or be 100% sure and take them out?

If they can see each other they will chase and since bettas sit mostly near the top of the water you really need that covered or you could end up with them killing each other. I have a 29 set up for female and my one girl is missing all her fins from her sister almost killing her a week ago because I took out maybe one too many plants.
Do you plan on quarenteening the females or just risk it? There is no rush in having to get them in the tank right away. Get everything you need set up first.
I know people who keep bettas and gouramis together but I don't know much about them. Tiger barbs are usually a no no but again, Ive never kept them.
Also, try to quote people when talking, it's on the bottom right of a comment and then insert the quote in your reply which is on the bottom left when typing. It'll help us answer your questions ASAP in case you need to talk to us.

 

If they can see each other they will chase and since bettas sit mostly near the top of the water you really need that covered or you could end up with them killing each other. I have a 29 set up for female and my one girl is missing all her fins from her sister almost killing her a week ago because I took out maybe one too many plants.
Do you plan on quarenteening the females or just risk it? There is no rush in having to get them in the tank right away. Get everything you need set up first.
I know people who keep bettas and gouramis together but I don't know much about them. Tiger barbs are usually a no no but again, Ive never kept them.
Also, try to quote people when talking, it's on the bottom right of a comment and then insert the quote in your reply which is on the bottom left when typing. It'll help us answer your questions ASAP in case you need to talk to us.

Noted and noted. I'll not worry about what fish I have in for now, but any suggestions on upper coverage? I have Amazon Swords in a corner of the tank and Ludwigia that is at tank height. Perhaps Anubias on suction cups around the top of the glass?

 

If they can see each other they will chase and since bettas sit mostly near the top of the water you really need that covered or you could end up with them killing each other. I have a 29 set up for female and my one girl is missing all her fins from her sister almost killing her a week ago because I took out maybe one too many plants.
Do you plan on quarenteening the females or just risk it? There is no rush in having to get them in the tank right away. Get everything you need set up first.
I know people who keep bettas and gouramis together but I don't know much about them. Tiger barbs are usually a no no but again, Ive never kept them.
Also, try to quote people when talking, it's on the bottom right of a comment and then insert the quote in your reply which is on the bottom left when typing. It'll help us answer your questions ASAP in case you need to talk to us.

Also, as for the quarantining the bettas, I suppose I'll decide on that once I go to get them and if I still have fish in or not. My lfs has sorority tanks so if it's just bettas out of the same tank and I do relocate the current fish, I see no reason in it.

 

Noted and noted. I'll not worry about what fish I have in for now, but any suggestions on upper coverage? I have Amazon Swords in a corner of the tank and Ludwigia that is at tank height. Perhaps Anubias on suction cups around the top of the glass?

Also, as for the quarantining the bettas, I suppose I'll decide on that once I go to get them and if I still have fish in or not. My lfs has sorority tanks so if it's just bettas out of the same tank and I do relocate the current fish, I see no reason in it.

If they are already in a sorority tank at the store and you take out the rest then yea there's no reason but when buying separate
Some good top level plants are water lettuce, pennywort (can be rooted or floating), water wisteria and sprite both grow tall and fast, hornwort, there's some other super tall and big plants I saw at my LFS but I can't remember their names, they look like giant swords.

 

If they are already in a sorority tank at the store and you take out the rest then yea there's no reason but when buying separate
Some good top level plants are water lettuce, pennywort (can be rooted or floating), water wisteria and sprite both grow tall and fast, hornwort, there's some other super tall and big plants I saw at my LFS but I can't remember their names, they look like giant swords.

I do have some new wisteria planted already and I've always wanted to try water lettuce. Any preference on where you would get some?

 

I do have some new wisteria planted already and I've always wanted to try water lettuce. Any preference on where you would get some?

Sometimes LFS will get some in however it usually cheaper if you buy from flower shops that also have a pond section, they usually carry it more often then fish stores surprisingly. Best bet is make some calls and ask around

 

Sometimes LFS will get some in however it usually cheaper if you buy from flower shops that also have a pond section, they usually carry it more often then fish stores surprisingly. Best bet is make some calls and ask around

Well thanks for the tip! Just so happens I have a few garden and landscape stores very close, I'll have to give them a call! As for the pet stores in my area, they never have the plants I want. They don't even carry Java Moss!

 

Well thanks for the tip! Just so happens I have a few garden and landscape stores very close, I'll have to give them a call! As for the pet stores in my area, they never have the plants I want. They don't even carry Java Moss!

Ouch! I completely feel you however! I only have 1 store that sells good plants, and it's quiet a lot, but they're always changing and I can't guarantee they'll have what I want (good thing they have a "request board" lol) and usually a bit more than I want to pay. I go to local fish auctions and most of the moss they sell goes for like $2 for a huge amount! Idk where you are located but people on here sell plants and stuff! You'll need at least 50 posts however to be able to message them about purchasing in a section we have called 'buy sell trade" on the main forum page

 

Ouch! I completely feel you however! I only have 1 store that sells good plants, and it's quiet a lot, but they're always changing and I can't guarantee they'll have what I want (good thing they have a "request board" lol) and usually a bit more than I want to pay. I go to local fish auctions and most of the moss they sell goes for like $2 for a huge amount! Idk where you are located but people on here sell plants and stuff! You'll need at least 50 posts however to be able to message them about purchasing in a section we have called 'buy sell trade" on the main forum page

Good to know, might help later in my fish keeping. I have some big plans once I get the money. Converting a quarter of my basement into my fish room. Looking to one day have a custom tank put in the middle of it.

 

Ouch! I completely feel you however! I only have 1 store that sells good plants, and it's quiet a lot, but they're always changing and I can't guarantee they'll have what I want (good thing they have a "request board" lol) and usually a bit more than I want to pay. I go to local fish auctions and most of the moss they sell goes for like $2 for a huge amount! Idk where you are located but people on here sell plants and stuff! You'll need at least 50 posts however to be able to message them about purchasing in a section we have called 'buy sell trade" on the main forum page

I got my first order from a member today. Java moss, Christmas moss and flame moss. And I molded the bridge and painted it today. Hopefully I’ll be able to get it in the tank tomorrow.

 

So, I think my setup is ready.

No floating plants yet but what do you guys think?





Not the prettiest tank but I like it so far.

One fake plant, rest are real.

 

Love the hidey holes maybe add some tall grasses? I’m not good at plant names yet.